Voters in Thailand stick with the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, in a shock national election result. But why did Thais reject the opposition movement, after polls showed an appetite for change? The elected leaders – seen as part of the political establishment – now have the challenge of rebuilding Thailand’s struggling economy. A former fast-growing Southeast Asian powerhouse, Thailand now faces economic woes, falling birthrate and routine political upheaval. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC’s South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor and senior fellow at Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Security and International Studies. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi now has the mandate she's been seeking, after a record-breaking election win. But since becoming the nation’s first female leader in October, her time in office has been overshadowed by a bitter dispute with Beijing. Japanese tourism, seafood and entertainment businesses have taken the brunt of Chinese economic retaliation. Beijing remains angry that Takaichi indirectly suggested Japan’s military may get involved if China one day invades Taiwan. So with the weight of Japanese voters behind her, how will her victory shape her approach to China and Japan’s place in the region? Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by the BBC’s Japan correspondent Shaimaa Khalil.

Asia Specific brings Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know it best. We bring you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on the BBC World Service YouTube channel, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Fifa has accused Malaysia of trying to fast-track foreign football players into the men's national team. In one of the biggest scandals in the country’s football history, football's governing body alleges citizenship documents have been doctored. Fifa launched an investigation after Malaysia's 4-0 victory over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last June, when seven new foreign-born players were in the team. But FIFA later ruled that the documents used to prove their family links to the country – known as the “grandfather rule” - had been doctored, triggering temporary player suspensions, Football Association of Malaysia resignations, and an imminent verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined in the studio by the Chief Presenter for the BBC’s News channel in Singapore, Steve Lai, as well as author and sports columnist Neil Humphreys. Asia Specific brings you Asia Pacific stories, unpacked by those who know it best, with essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint, and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt And do get in touch, we would love to hear from you: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk